Scottish Blog

The Isle of Skye is the biggest of the islands in the Inner Hebrides.

The Isle of Skye is the second largest island in Scotland, encompassing an area of 1656 square kilometers, it is only second to Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. It is said that the terrain on the Isle of Skye is some of the most spectacular in Scotland. This accompanied with the various historic locations, like Dunvegan Castle of Clan McLeod and the Talisker Whisky distillery makes the Isle of Skye an intriguing and look into country of Scotland.

The population of the Isle of Skye is estimated to be roughly between 9000-9500. Historically, the Isle of Skye has seen higher populations before the 18th century. Famines are blamed for driving a large proportion of the population away from the island and causing the death of others. At the 1991 census, the population was exactly 9,232 people. Previous to this, the Isle of Skye was also subject to early settlement during the same time periods as the rest of the Hebrides.

Access to the Isle of Skye happens through Skye Bridge. Originally this was created as a private enterprise and tolls were instated upon the road. In 2004, the Skye Bridge was purchased by the Scottish Executive and the tolls were subsequently removed. Although the Isle of Skye does not have an official airport, there is an aerodrome which services private aircraft.

A number of castles by Clan MacDonald can be seen on the Isle of Skye beside Dunvegan - Armadale Castle, Dunscaith Castle, Duntulm Castle, Knock Castle.